MUST-HAVE’S: VOLUME I

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had an influx of inquiries asking which brands/stores are my regular go-tos. So many so that I decided to put together a list of my can’t-live-without labels and shops. Now for me – and many of you as well, I’m sure – this is no small task. After a great deal of hemming and hawing, I finally whittled down my list of must-have’s to the selection below.

DEALS AND STEALS:

Depending on who you are and what your net-pay is, $120 for a dress is pricey by most of the country’s standards. I have to look out for my girls that are teachers, social workers, stay-at-home mommies, etc. who aren’t compensated nearly as much as they should be for what they do. So part of my mission here on Label Junkie is to make sure they are still looking as fabulous as those who happen to have a little more in their checking accounts. Style is all about working what you’ve got. So hopefully this list will help you find a few key pieces to spice up what’s already in your possession.

Asos – The British giant has become an absolute wardrobe staple for me this year. Carrying everything from killer faux-leather jackets to gorgeous printed midi skirts, you’ll need to set some time aside to do their selection justice. And with free express shipping to the U.S., there are no excuses. Done and done.

Forever 21 – I will likely never stop perusing the tween/teen mega store for jewelry steals. I regularly stop by to pick up new rings and bracelets to add to my (shall we call it, extensive?) collection.

Blank NYC – A newbie to my list, I LOVE LOVE LOVE their denim. And compared to many of their counterparts that peddle denim for $200+ a pop, the $90-$120 price range feels like a steal to me.

J. Crew – When I need to get my prep on, J. Crew is still my queen. I tend to head this way mostly for blazers, sweaters, and the occasional piece of jewelry. A girl who hates to pay full-price for anything, keep your eyes peeled for their relatively regular 25-30% off sales, many of which include new arrivals.

Nasty Gal – While I’m not as ‘street’ as many of my 20-something counterparts, I still like a good dose of side boob as much as the rest of ’em. I tend to head to Nasty Gal’s site (or have you visited their new Melrose boutique if you’re in LA?) when I want an edgier dress, crop top, or a great jacket. They also carry some of my favorite Aussie brands like Cameo and Shakuhacki and are well stocked with splurge-worthy For Love and Lemons and Alice McCall.

Piperlime – I was incredibly sad to hear that Piperlime will be closing it’s 5th Avenue store along with its digital outpost come the end of the first fiscal quarter. I have been a regular of these guys since freshmen year of college. From Milly to Vince to Rag & Bone, they stock a great range of favorites. So get your fill now! I can only assume there will be some fantastic sales in March as they liquidate their inventory.

SPLURGE:

Anthropologie – God love me some Anthropologie. I could probably have funded my first unborn child’s college fund with the cash I’ve dropped here over the years. When I venture this way, I’m usually on the hunt for dresses, skirts, or great jewelry. Their housewares are also a perpetual drain on my bank account. Yet it’s so worth it.

BNKR – The up-and-comers coming out of Australia these days are some of my absolute favorites. With gorgeous prints and even more amazing silhouettes, BNKR stocks several of the best, including Finders Keepers, Cameo, Keepsake, The Fifth, and Jaggar. They also regularly offer 20% off and free shipping to the U.S. over $200.

Alice McCall and Shona Joy – More on my love of Aussie designers, these two are coming out with some of my favorite spring dresses. Shopbop is stocking both of them as is Revolve Clothing, so don’t miss out on their collections. They’re absolutely worth a peek!

Amanda Uprichard – Her bright prints, flowy maxi dresses, and feminine vibe have a toehold in my wardrobe every spring and summer. You can find her line everywhere from Bloomingdale’s to Shopbop.

Intermix – Carrying so many heavy-hitters, I hit their Robertson store when I need to revive investment staples in my collection (they’re also online for my comrades outside of major metropolitan areas). Forewarning: Price tags are not for the faint of heart. But if you’re shopping for quality pieces you’ll be wearing multiple seasons, this is the place to go.

Loeffler Randall – I cannot get enough of these bags and shoes. Forever and ever. Amen.

Revolve Clothing – When I discovered these guys a little over a year ago, I was glued to my computer for about a day. They also have a twice annual sale where they offer 25% sitewide. It is not to be missed! These guys do tend to sell out faster than other sites, so if you’re dying to have something, I suggest to pick it up quickly before it’s gone.

Sandro – Last but by no means least, I have become a die-hard fan of Sandro. Prime example, can we talk about this blouse I’m wearing in today’s post?! They can do no wrong in my eyes. Each piece is tailored to perfection, and honestly, there are few pieces being turned out of this caliber these days.

On another note, I wanted to share with you all that shopable links will be hitting the blog in the next few weeks! I don’t know about you, but I find it annoying when I find something I love on a blog and can’t buy it for myself. In situations where the piece is sold out (or old because I love wearing things I’ve had for 10 years), I’ll do my best to find at least one or two comparable options to offer up. Let me know what other things you’d like to see hit the blog! Xo